Satkhira:Betel nut cultivation is steadily emerging as a profitable commercial venture in the coastal district of Satkhira, with farmers expanding plantations in response to attractive market prices and relatively low production costs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) expects betel nut worth around Taka 27-28 crore to be produced and marketed in the district this year. Betel nut cultivation has expanded to 170 hectares of land in Satkhira this year, up from 160 hectares last year, reflecting a growing interest among farmers in the lucrative crop cultivation.
The department has set a production target of 771 metric tonnes of betel nuts from the current acreage, with an estimated market value of Taka 27-28 crore. Dried betel nuts are currently selling for Taka 300-400 per kilogram, and a mature betel nut tree produces around four to five kilograms of nuts annually, according to agricultural officials.
The prospect of earning a steady income over several decades is encouraging farmers to establish new plantations, often alongside traditional crops and other trees. Aravindu Kumar, a farmer from Kumira village in Tala upazila, has established a betel nut garden on three bighas of land, planting the trees alongside coconut and other fruit-bearing trees to make better use of his land.
Patkelghata market in Tala upazila has emerged as the district's only major wholesale trading hub for betel nuts. Wholesale markets are held there twice a week, attracting sellers from different parts of Satkhira. Traders from neighbouring districts, including Jashore and Khulna, also visit the market to purchase betel nuts in bulk, creating an expanding commercial network for the locally produced crop.
Deputy Director (Acting) of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Agriculturist Iqbal Ahmed, highlighted the district's favourable soil conditions and climate as factors supporting the expansion of betel nut cultivation. He expressed optimism that the expansion of commercial betel nut cultivation, backed by favourable agro-climatic conditions and growing market demand, would further strengthen the rural economy of the coastal district.